About

“Margaret spent a hideous and heartbreaking year watching her beloved partner finally succumb to the deadly advance of Pancreatic cancer. Now she is attempting this amazing challenge to raise funds for research crucially needed to combat this terrible disease. Every mile she walks will be hugely worthwhile if it can help achieve this objective. Best of luck, brave Margaret.”Jilly Cooper CBE

Last year, when Harry died of pancreatic cancer, it was a very bad time and I decided to attempt this long distance walk to raise funds for pancreatic research and the Westminster Memorial Hospital in Shaftesbury who were wonderfully supportive during Harry's illness. I am 81 years old with dodgy knees and feet susceptible to blisters but think I can do it if I don't go too mad! It's a long way down the line from when I created the Hardy Way but Dorset is just as beautiful and I'm really looking forward to getting out there in the Spring.

Event details

220 MILE WALK ON CONSECUTIVE DAYS

I shall set out from the Thomas Hardy Birthplace Visitor Centre on April 18th on the 220 mile Hardy Way which encircles Dorset. The route visits many of the places that Hardy gave fictitious names in his novels and poems. One stretch follows the magnificent Jurassic Coast before it weaves inland to timeless Cranborne Chase on the Wiltshire border then on to Shaftesbury and the Blackmore Vale, rich farming landscape, often very muddy after rain! After the sleepy Brit Valley in West Dorset the path once again joins the Coast path from Bridport along pebbly Chesil beach to the rugged Isle of Portland. The last part of the route bears inland after Weymouth to eventually return to the tiny churchyard at Stinsford where Hardy's heart is buried within a mile or so of his cottage birthplace.Along the way I hope to enjoy the company of family and friends and anyone who would like to join me. My itinerary will be available to view on The Hardy Way Facebook page and will be updated if necessary depending on my progress!

Event date

18-April-2018 10:30

Event type

Running / Walking

Event already started

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Donations

Amazing and inspiring!

Donation by Sam (the ecologist)on 13-06-2018

£10.00
£0.00 gift aid

Harry fought his illness with great determination. Thank you for your kindness and friendship- we miss you.

Donation by Michael Hobbson 15-05-2018

Donation by Emily Kidgellon 09-05-2018

£5.00
£0.00 gift aid

What worthwhile causes. We do not know you, but have strong links with both charities.

Donation by Anthony & Jeannieon 28-04-2018

£30.00
£0.00 gift aid

Always there when you need them and giving such good care.

Donation by Richard and Pennyon 28-04-2018

Sorry I can't join you on the walk but am enjoying your daily blog. Well done Margaret, it's a great cause. All the best, Louise x

Donation by Louise Murchieon 24-04-2018

£10.00
£0.00 gift aid

Congratulations and best wishes for every step.
Helen

Donation by Helen Langeon 24-04-2018

£10.00
£0.00 gift aid

I had to donate to this page too, in memory of H and all the times we went to this hospital, where he was so well cared for X

Donation by Liz Ampaireeon 19-04-2018

£50.00
£0.00 gift aid

Good luck

Donation by Toni Britton 19-04-2018

£10.00
£0.00 gift aid

We are confident you will jump and stay in loving memory of Harry. Good luck and well done!